THE KINGDOM OF ANKOLE IN UGANDA 123
called the Abachwezi. From the cycle of songs and legends, these Abachwezi seem to be the same figures who played such an Important role in the past of the Banyoro, Baganda, Batoro, Abakaragwe, and, at least certain groups, among the Banyanruanda. While statements as to their origin and disappearance differ, there is at bottom a fundamental agreement about their character, doings, and direction of their movements. All legends point out the fact, for instance, that the Abachwezi came from the north, that they were not very numerous, that they conquered the people in their way and then disappeared southward finally vanishing into lakes or craters.
According to legend, these Abachwezi were wonderful people. 'They were like the Bahima, but more brilliant. One could not look them in the face because their eyes were so bright that it hurt one's own eyes to look at them. It was like looking at the sun. They wore bark cloth and went about in cow-hide sandals. Their women covered their faces in public and were guarded by eunuchs. The important Abachwezi built large grass houses and had their kraals near by. They had many cattle and lived on milk, meat, and beer, especially beer mixed with honey. They were great hunters and magicians.' This description of the Abachwezi is the most matter-of-fact. Most accounts deal with their superhuman feats, their terrible strength, their power of making themselves invisible, their wealth in cattle, the beauty of their women, and the ruthless domination of all whom they conquered.
Most stories agree in stating that Ndahura was the great conqueror, the leading Omuchwezi. In Ankole, Ndahura is not as well known as in Toro and Bunyoro, where he is considered as the first Abachwezi king. He is there considered the son of a former king and a woman called Nyinyamwim (mother of Mwiru) and it was he who is said to have consolidated the Kitara Empire. After the conquest he reorganized his kingdom into districts, appointing his sons and henchmen as rulers. To Ankole he sent Wamara, who is there considered the first Abachwezi king. The word 'Wamara' comes from the verb okumara, to finish or to complete. Many Banyankole explained that he finished what his father began— namely, the conquest of an empire. Wamara lived at Bwera, which was then a part of greater Ankole, and ruled over Ankole, Karagwe, and a part of southern Buganda. Wamara was said to be kind to his henchmen and always ready to help them out of difficulties. When